Transliteral-Foundations
The tutelar divinity, the guardian goddess, is called कुलस्वामिनी (Kulswamini).
While most families or clans have their own Kulswamini, some well-known are Shree Vyadeshwar (Guhagar, Maharashtra). Kulswamini: Yogeshwari (Ambejogai, Maharashtra). Kulswamini Ambabai (Kolhapur, Maharashtra). The list is extensive, and Goddess Tulja Bhavani is known by the names Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita, Durga, Parvati, Amba (mother of the Vedas) and Jagadambaa (Universe Mother) in different regions. Tulja Bhavani is a form of goddess Parvati and is widely worshipped in Maharashtra and by people of Telangana, Northern Karnataka, and Nepal.
Chaitra Navratra is a time to celebrate and worship different Devi Durga, also known as 'Shakti Puja'. Even Lord Ram performed this Shakti Puja before his battle with Ravana.
Goddess worship is one of the longest-standing religious traditions in Hinduism. Shakti [aka sakti] means "power"; in Hindu philosophy and theology, Sakti is the active dimension of the reining goddess, the divine power.
Lakshmi Pooja (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी पूजा), falling on Amavasya (new moon day), i.e. on the third day of Deepawali and is considered one of the primary festive days of Deepawali.
The list is endless, and so is the diversity of the practice. In almost every tradition, the stature of the goddess is omniscient, going way beyond the stature of a consort.
